Noshing Around

Lederhosen Optional

The Northwest Fire Fighters Association holds its first Oktoberfest and home-brewing challenge at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2, in front of Thunder Canyon Brewery (7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.). Beers brewed by local firefighters and breweries from across the country will be available for tasting, and there'll be burgers, brats and pretzels, too. Thunder Canyon Brewery will then brew a batch of whichever homebrew is voted best, and offer it on tap to raise money for Northwest Fire Fighters Association charities. $20 in advance; $25 at the gate. Visit www.brew.nwfirefighters.org for more information.

The annual Tucson Oktoberfest takes place Thursday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 3, at Hi Corbett Field (3400 E. Camino Campestre). German beers, food, snacks, music and more are on deck, and admission is only $3 a day. Be warned: The funky chicken will be danced, and it gets hectic once the brew starts flowing. Proceeds benefit the Optimist Clubs of Tucson; www.tucsonoktoberfest.org.

Restaurant at Lodge on the Desert

Ryan Clark, executive chef of the restaurant at Lodge on the Desert (306 N. Alvernon Way), says repairs to his fire-damaged kitchen are nearing completion, with an expected kitchen re-opening in late October. Clark and his staff have offered a smaller menu out of mobile kitchens since a fire tore through the building in February. Clark says he'll debut a new menu when the kitchen reopens, and that a new happy hour is also in the works.

Planet of the Crepes

Rave reviews of Planet of the Crepes keep pouring in. The food truck has been serving crepes on Mount Lemmon all summer, but it will move back to town for the winter. Crepes go for about $4 to $6 and are filled with gourmet ingredients. The truck serves soup, too, and has a secret menu that you'll have to ask the owner about. Planet of the Crepes moves to the corner of Tanque Verde Road and Camino Principal in November. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday; 271-6083.

Caramel Apple Fridays

The market at Maynards Market and Kitchen (400 N. Toole Ave.) kicks off its Caramel Apple Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1. Pick out an apple; bathe it in as much caramel as you can; and roll it in a selection of local nuts for $5; www.maynardsmarket.com.